Insulated metal panels and Simple Saver-type systems can both be used in insulated metal-building envelopes, but they are not interchangeable products. An insulated metal panel is a factory-produced composite panel. Simple Saver is a site-assembled fabric-liner insulation system by Thermal Design that works with metal-building framing and exterior panels.
The better fit depends on whether the project is new construction or retrofit, which roof and wall components remain, control-layer requirements, structure, fire and thermal criteria, interior finish, access, sequencing, operations, and budget. Neither system is universally superior.
What is an insulated metal panel?
An IMP typically combines exterior and interior metal faces with an insulating core in one factory-produced component. Panel joints, sealants, fasteners or clips, openings, perimeters, and transitions connect the components into the complete roof or wall assembly.
Kingspan’s official introduction to insulated metal panels describes IMPs as components intended to address water, air, vapor, and thermal control. Actual performance depends on the selected panel, joints, details, supports, installation, and project design—not on the category name alone.
See TCR’s Kingspan and All Weather Insulated Panels guides for manufacturer-specific planning questions.
What is a Simple Saver system?
Simple Saver is a Thermal Design system that uses insulation, fabric, straps and related components in metal-building roof or wall assemblies. Its official performance information explains how the system creates space for insulation and addresses compression at secondary framing.
Because it is a multi-component assembly, exterior metal panels, framing, insulation, liner or air-barrier components, penetrations, perimeter seals, and work by other trades must be coordinated. Review the TCR Simple Saver guide for new-construction and retrofit considerations.
Key differences at a glance
| Decision | Insulated metal panel | Simple Saver-type assembly |
|---|---|---|
| Primary form | Factory-produced composite panel | Site-assembled insulation and fabric-liner system used with metal-building components |
| Exterior skin | Part of the IMP | Separate exterior metal roof or wall panel |
| Interior appearance | Interior metal face | Fabric liner and support system |
| Construction sequence | Panel handling, placement, joints, fastening, and trims | Liner, straps, insulation, sealing, and coordination with exterior panels and framing |
| Retrofit question | May involve panel replacement, recladding, interfaces, and temporary enclosure | May require safe interior or exterior access and careful work around existing services and operations |
| Design verification | Selected panel, span, attachment, joints, thermal, air, water, fire, and finish criteria | Insulation arrangement, compression, liner/air barrier, attachments, thermal bridging, condensation, fire, and exterior panel assembly |
When an IMP may fit the project
IMPs may be considered where the project calls for a factory-produced insulated roof or wall component, a metal interior surface, rapid enclosure sequencing, or coordinated control layers within a single panel product. They are common candidates for new buildings, additions, recladding, replacement, and controlled-environment facilities.
The decision still requires structural supports and attachment, wind loads, openings, joints, sealants, thermal movement, fire classification, vapor and condensation analysis, corrosion exposure, finishes, and interfaces with foundations, roofs, walls, windows, doors, and equipment.
When a Simple Saver-type system may fit
A fabric-liner insulation assembly may be considered for metal buildings where the exterior roof or wall panel is a separate component and the project needs an interior liner and insulation system configured around secondary framing. It can be relevant to new metal-building construction and some retrofits.
Retrofit feasibility depends on access above or below, existing panels and fasteners, interior obstructions, equipment, electrical and fire-protection systems, fall hazards, dust or fiber controls, occupancy, and how the building will remain protected while work proceeds.
Questions that should drive the comparison
- Which existing components remain, and are they serviceable?
- Is the work roof, wall, or both?
- What thermal, air, vapor, water, condensation, and fire criteria apply?
- Which party is responsible for design and interface details?
- How will openings, penetrations, bases, eaves, ridges, corners, and transitions be completed?
- What access, lifting, storage, temporary enclosure, and weather limitations apply?
- What interior finish, hygiene, washdown, durability, or cleanability is needed?
- How will occupied operations and sensitive equipment be protected?
A comparison needs project documents
A useful proposal should identify the exact assembly, current manufacturer documents, design criteria supplied by the responsible professional, included components, trade interfaces, exclusions, alternates, sequencing, and closeout. It should not promise compliance or performance from a generic product comparison.
For Texas project planning, review TCR’s insulated metal panel service and manufacturer and systems hub. To discuss drawings, retrofit conditions, or budget options, contact Total Cladding and Roofing.
To upload drawings, specs and plans please go to the form on our contact page.
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